Boeing has announced significant aircraft orders from Japan Airlines and Korean Air, securing deals for up to 80 of its 787 Dreamliner and 777 double-aisle planes. This announcement comes as a response to competition from Airbus, which had made inroads with these carriers earlier this year following the issues surrounding Boeing’s 737 Max.
Brad McMullen, head of Boeing’s sales operations, expressed satisfaction with Japan Airlines’ decision to continue utilizing the 787 Dreamliner to enhance its fleet, emphasizing the importance of their long-standing partnership.
The announcement coincides with the opening of the Farnborough International Airshow, a key event in the aviation industry. Japan Airlines will acquire 10 Dreamliners with an option for another 10, while Korean Air has ordered 20 of the 777-9 model and 20 787-10 planes, also with an option for 10 additional 787-10s.
Boeing’s reference to its “long-standing partnership” highlights a recent development where Airbus sold 11 A321neo jets to Japan Airlines, marking the first time the airline ordered a single-aisle plane from a manufacturer other than Boeing. The A321neo competes with Boeing’s 737 Max during a tumultuous period for the latter.
Similarly, reports indicated that Airbus had also secured orders for several wide-body jets from Korean Air, traditionally dominated by Boeing aircraft. This move was seen as a challenge to Boeing’s 777x, which is still awaiting regulatory approval.
Stephanie Pope, head of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, remarked on the honor of Korean Air selecting Boeing’s most efficient widebody aircraft to enhance its operations, underscoring the significant role Boeing planes have played in the airline’s history and their contributions to sustainability and growth objectives.